Current News

Hallie Ford Museum of Art Seeks Volunteer Docents

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University is
currently recruiting volunteers for its fall docent class. Docents
help the public understand works of art from a variety of time
periods and cultures.

"We are looking for people who are able to speak in public, are
flexible and dependable, have a strong desire to learn and can be
accurate yet creative in the presentation of information," said
Elizabeth Garrison, the Cameron Paulin Curator of Education at the
museum.

Training for new and active docents is Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to
1:30 p.m., September through the middle of May. Docents are
required to attend weekly classes, complete occasional homework and
reading assignments, prepare written reports, and develop and
present tours.

Training includes lectures and gallery sessions on art and art
history, the museum's collections and special exhibitions, and
touring techniques. In addition to becoming a member of the museum,
docents are asked to contribute annual dues of $15. Docents are
expected to lead a certain number of tours each year for at least
two years beyond their training.

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art was founded in 1998 to serve as an
artistic, cultural and intellectual resource for Willamette
University and the region. Permanent galleries focus on European,
Asian and American art; Native American baskets; historic and
contemporary regional art; and European and American works on
paper. Temporary exhibitions feature historic and contemporary art.
The docent program, under the supervision of Garrison, started in
2005 with nine volunteer docents.

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art is located at 700 State Street
(corner of State and Cottage Streets) in downtown Salem near the
campus of Willamette University. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The galleries are closed Sunday and Monday.
Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and students.
Children under 12 are admitted free, and Tuesday is an
admission-free day. Call 503-370-6855 for an
information/application packet.